The GAA Etihad Airways World Games get underway at UCD today and the European GAA have used the opportunity to secure a sponsorship deal with Kirby Group Engineering, an engineering company with operations in Ireland, the UK and Europe.
They are sponsoring 8 European teams as they get ready to compete in the taking part in the tournament which will feature over 1,700 players and a total of 87 teams from 20 countries around the globe.
Kirby will be on 8 team jerseys, across a mix of football, hurling, camogie and ladies football and had a training session in advance of the event with Galway hurling star and Technical Sales Manager with the Kirby Group Ollie Canning.
“The growth of the GAA internationally in recent years is something that has been wonderful to witness,” he said.
“To see so many international players compete this week as part of the World games is incredible and I feel privileged to be part of the occasion and to pass on some words of encouragement to the players here today.”
“It is immensely rewarding to see the enjoyment everyone is getting from our native games and I am also very proud that Kirby, a company I have worked for over the last six years, has come on board this year to support the ambitions of the European GAA team in such a meaningful way.”
“We are delighted to be representing Europe as part of the World Games this week,” added Brian Sheehy Chairperson of the European County Board.
“We have over 87 teams competing in the games this year which is a three fold increase on the first year of the competition in Abu Dhabi last year.”
“Interest in GAA continues to grow year on year across Europe and it is thanks to the support of companies such as Kirby that we are able to continue to promote and share our vision for the future of GAA across Europe.”
